Local law enforcement agencies conduct traffic enforcement project on I29

On evening of Dec. 29, five law enforcement agencies conducted a traffic enforcement project focusing on I29 in Woodbury County.

The Dept. of Public Safety Motor Vehicle Enforcement, Iowa State Patrol, Sergeant Bluff Police Department, Sioux City Police Department, and Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office participated in the project.

During the project, 135 cars were stopped for various violations in total with 54 cars being stopped for speeding. In all, 187 citations were issued, and 146 warnings were given.

Arrests were made for an outstanding warrant, possession of 4 grams of methamphetamine, and 20 grams of marijuana.

A highlight of the evening was that none of the drivers stopped were impaired from drugs or alcohol in violation of Iowa’s operating while intoxicated law. 

These multi-agency projects are an effort to increase safety for those traveling on I29.

Several school threats meant to cause alarm investigated, students charged

On Dec. 16, the Sioux City Police Department became aware of a post circulating on the social media platform TikTok which made a threat of violence against schools to be committed on Friday Dec. 17 in all schools across the country. We immediately began monitoring this threat and working with our partners in law enforcement and the schools in Sioux City to ensure the safety of students.

During the evening of the 16th, we started receiving reports of threats against our schools that were being shared on social media.

In response, the Sioux City Police Department dedicated several officers to thoroughly investigating these threats. This included a report of a subject telling several people he was planning on bringing a gun to school, a conversation in which a student was implying threats against East Middle, a post depicting a gun with a threat towards North Middle, and posts on TikTok of several students at East High School pointing their phones like guns.

Officers worked quickly to identify the students responsible for these posts and to assess the seriousness of the threats. The department also worked closely with the Sioux City Community School District to keep them informed of these threats and to locate these students.

In all the cases investigated, it was found that none of the threats were legitimate and all were intended to cause alarm amongst the students attending Sioux City Schools.

As of noon, on Dec. 17th, investigators have charged six students with harassment in connection to the creation of these threats. The Sioux City Community School District has also taken steps to keep these students out of the school until the investigations are completed. Appropriate discipline measures will also be taken by the schools that could include suspension and expulsion.

Detectives are continuing their investigations into these threats and will be providing legal processes to the social media platforms to obtain additional evidence into the threats. Additional charges will be filed against students responsible for creating these threats.

Out of an abundance of caution, the department assigned additional officers to patrol around schools to ensure the safety and security of the students today.

The Sioux City Police Department, the Sioux City Community School District, and the Diocese of Sioux City Catholic Schools have a close partnership to address concerns and threats affecting the safety of children in our community.

The Sioux City Police Department has zero tolerance for threats or acts that endanger the safety of students. We will thoroughly investigate and charge those responsible for these acts.

We are committed to preventing violence in our schools and to ensure the safety of all students in our community.

We again thank the students and parents who provided us this information and encourage them to continue to be vigilant.

We also encourage parents to not only talk to their kids about the seriousness of this situation, but also know what social media their children are on and what they are posting.

Doorbell camera helps capture porch pirate

On Dec. 12 at 3:24 p.m. in the 4000 block of Morningside Ave., officers with the Sioux City Police Department took 37-year-old Casey Andersen into custody on warrants issued for his arrest. 

While arresting Andersen, officers noticed that not only did he match the description of a suspect who took packages off of a front porch in the 2200 block of S. Olive St. on Dec. 9, but he was also wearing the exact same clothes at the time of his arrest. This determination was based on doorbell camera footage provided by the victim of the theft. 

Officers booked Andersen into Woodbury County Jail for his warrants and also charged him with the Dec. 9 theft. 

Further investigations into Andersen have connected him to an additional theft of packages on Dec. 8 in the 5000 block of Glenn Ave and charges have been referred to the Woodbury County Attorney's Office in that matter. 

The doorbell camera footage provide was very valuable in connecting Andersen to these thefts. We encourage victims of package thefts to report the thefts and thank neighbors willing to provide valuable video evidence. 

Investigations made into threats against schools on Dec. 14 - SCPD #21-36549 & 21-36565

On Dec. 14 the Sioux City Police Department was made aware of a threat made towards East High School in Sioux City that was posted on social media in which a person posted a picture of a gun and said they were on their way to the school.

The department’s priority is the safety of students and had additional officers in the area of the school while the school implemented their safety measures.

Investigators were able to determine the person responsible for the threat and located her.

Their investigation found that the 14-year-old female had created the post with the intent to cause alarm but had no plan for carrying out the threat. The juvenile had created a fake profile on Snapchat and made threats to use a weapon at the school.

The juvenile was taken to Woodbury County Juvenile Detention and charged with class d felony terrorism threats and harassment.

Earlier in the day, the department was made aware of a threat that was made towards West High School and worked with the school to ensure the safety of the students.

Investigators quickly identified and located the 15-year-old male responsible for the posts and have referred him to the County Attorney’s Office for appropriate charges.

The department is committed to protecting the safety of students in our schools. We work closely with all schools to ensure that any threat made is thoroughly investigated. We continually review procedures with the schools that are used to protect students.

We appreciate the students and parents who brought this to the immediate attention of the school and the department.

Identification made of body recovered from Big Sioux River in August - SCPD #21-24517

On Aug 21 at 6:05 p.m., the Sioux City Police Department responded to a report of a body being found in the Big Sioux River.

Due to the state of decay of the remains, detectives had to seek the assistance of the State Crime Lab and to use DNA to make a positive identification.

On Dec. 2, the lab notified the department that the person was positively identified as 24-year-old Franky Muritok of Sioux City.

We wish to express our sympathies to his family for their loss.

Muritok was reported missing on Aug. 15 after he had left to take his dog for a walk and did not return home. His dog was located tied up next to the river.

At this time, there is no indication of foul play and Muritok’s death appears to be accidental.

Pursuit of stolen car ends after PIT maneuver - SCPD #21-35320

On Dec. 2 at 8:12 a.m., the Sioux City Police Department received a report a suspicious car in the parking lot of the Sioux City Country Club, 4001 Jackson St.

The complainant provided a plate for the car and indicated that the driver of the suspicious car was showing signs of intoxication.

The car, a 2014 Kia Sorento, had been reported stolen on Nov. 29 to the department.

Officers located the car at 37th and Jackson Streets and attempted to stop the car. The driver of the car refused to yield to officers and attempted to elude them.

The pursuit ended after officers conducted a pursuit intervention technique or PIT maneuver in the 2300 block of Riverside Blvd. and the female driver was taken into custody without further resistance.

Arrested was 26-year-old Makayla C. Nellist of Sioux City. She was charged with 1st degree theft, felony eluding, and operating while intoxicated. Additional traffic violations that occurred during the pursuit will be pending further review of in-car-cameras.

No injuries were reported and the stolen car and a police car received minor damage. No other cars or property were damaged during the pursuit.

The Iowa State Patrol provide assistance during the pursuit.

Pedestrian dies after being struck by car at W. 4th & Bluff St. - SCPD #21-35220

Officers identified 71-year-old David Biddle of Sioux City as the victim in the pedestrian accident on Dec. 1 at W. 4th and Bluff Streets.

We wish to express our sympathies to his family for their loss.

No charges have been filed against the driver of the SUV that struck Biddle.

Original Release on Dec. 1, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. - On Dec. 1, at 8:13 a.m., the Sioux City Police Department and Sioux City Fire and Rescue responded to a report of a pedestrian being struck at the intersection of W. 4th St. and Bluff St.

Officers found that an adult-male had been crossing the street at the intersection, stopped to pick something up in the street, and then was struck by a small SUV that had been traveling eastbound on W. 4th St.

The male victim was transported to MercyOne with critical injuries where he succumbed to his injuries a short time later. His name will not be released pending notification of his next of kin.

The SUV was operated by a juvenile-female who reported that she was not able to see the pedestrian due to the sun obscuring her vision.

Investigating officers are also looking for the occupants of white full-sized pick-up truck that had stopped shortly after the accident occurred and may be witnesses. It was occupied by two people who left before officers arrived on scene. The persons in this truck are asked to contact the Sioux City Police Department at 279-6960. (NOTE: This vehicle was located and officers have spoken to the occupants)

Based on witness accounts and available video evidence, it does not appear that the SUV involved was speeding.

The investigation into this accident is on-going at the time of this release.

Robbery of K&K Quick Corner - SCPD #21-31227

On Oct. 22 at 1:41 p.m., the Sioux City Police Department received a report of a robbery at the K and K Quick Corner convenience store, 1401 Court St. when a person threatened the clerk by implying he had a gun. The suspect stole money and tobacco products before fleeing the store.

Thanks to several witnesses providing information to investigating officers, the suspect was located in house in the 1400 block of Court St.

Detectives have charged 19-year-old Jaden Cline of Sioux City with 2nd degree robbery and was booked into the Woodbury County Jail.

Any arrest/charge noted in this report should be considered merely an accusation. Any defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Removal of abandoned vehicles to begin in November

In an effort to assist the Streets Division with the upcoming snow season, the Sioux City Police Department will be increasing their efforts to alleviate abandoned motor vehicles on city streets.

These efforts will target vehicles being stored on city streets that are:

• Disabled or obviously inoperable.

• Have not had license plates or current registration for extended periods of time.

• Recreational Vehicles, Boats, Trailers, and other equipment that are in violation of Municipal Parking Ordinances.

The goal will be to remove problem vehicles from the streets before they become snow bound and are more difficult to remove for proper street clearing. In most cases the vehicles will be tagged and there will be an opportunity for owners to remove them before they are impounded. Certain vehicles that are declared “nuisance per se” by Municipal Code can be removed without notice to the owner.

The increased attention to abandoned motor vehicles is expected to begin in early November.

Fatality accident in the 2400 block of 18th St. - SCPD #21-30749

Original Release on Oct. 18, 2021 at 11:20 a.m. - The Sioux City Police Department responded to a single vehicle accident in the 2800 block of 18th Street this morning at 8:08 a.m. Upon arriving at the location, officers found that a commercial vehicle had veered off the roadway and into a grouping of trees. The driver was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Officers spoke with a witness who reported the vehicle traveling westbound when it crossed into the oncoming lane and ultimately left the roadway. It doesn't appear the driver made an attempt to stop the vehicle or correctively steer back onto the road.

The cause of the accident remains under investigation, but is potentially related to a medical issue.

The driver's name will not be released at this time pending notification of next of kin.

Update on Oct. 19, 2021 at 3:30 p.m. - The Sioux City Police Department identified 43-year-old Ryan L. Palmer of Sibley, Iowa as the victim of the single-car fatality accident yesterday in the 2400 block of 18th St.

We want to express our condolences to his family for their loss.

Accident investigators are waiting on a determination from the Woodbury County Medical Examiner’s report to determine if there were any medical issues or substances that contributed to this accident.

2600 Block of Douglas St. Shooting - SCPD #21-30633

Original Release on Oct. 16, 2021 at 7:16 am. - On I0/ 16/21 at 11 :54 PM, officers of the Sioux City Police Department were dispatched to Unity Point Health, 2720 Stone Park Blvd for a male party that came into the emergency room with a gunshot to his stomach area.

Officers spoke with multiple parties involved and officers were able to track down the location where the shooting occurred at.

The victim, Gary Wendte, 44, of Emerson, NE is being treated for his non-life-threatening injuries.

The case is still ongoing and at this time no further information will be released.

Shooting in at 427 Pierce St - SCPD #21-29897

Original Release on Oct. 10, 2021 at 7:00 a.m. - On 10/10/21 at 3 :24 AM, Officers of the Sioux City Police Department were dispatched to 427 Pierce Street for a shots fired call.

When officers arrived on scene, they observed a male party suffering from a gunshot to his upper body. Officers rendered aid to the male victim, and he was transported to a local hospital for his life-threatening injuries.

Around 3:45 AM, the SCPD received multiple phone calls stating more victims were arriving at both local hospitals from this incident. All other parties are being treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

At this time, none of the victim ' s information will be released.

The investigation is still ongoing but if anyone has any information to help with this case please call 712-258-TIPS.

Cariaga arrest - SCPD #21-28610, 21-24023, 21-24319, & 21-24307

On Sept. 28 at 10:00 a.m., officers with the Sioux City Police Department arrested 21-year-old Alexio C. Cariaga of Sioux City in the 3400 block of Gordon Dr. for multiple warrants stemming from incidents in August.

Officers saw Cariaga walking in a parking lot of a hotel and approached him as they knew he had warrants for his arrest.

Cariaga was wanted in connection to two incidents that occurred in August of this year. On Aug. 17, he used a firearm to take money from a woman with whom he had been in a relationship with and had a child with. Then on Aug. 19, he forcefully entered a residence in the 1600 block of 27th St., struck that same woman and another male in the head with a handgun. He later fled from officers after crashing his car into a pole at 29th and Jackson St..

Cariaga was booked into the Woodbury County Jail on warrants for 1st degree robbery, felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm by a domestic abuser, 1st degree burglary, domestic abuse assault, and probation violation.

Original Release on August 20 at 3:22 p.m. - On August 19 at about 8:28 p.m., Officers responded to report of an assault at a residence in the 1600 block of 27th St. The suspect was not present when officers arrived.

Two adult victims reported being assaulted by the suspect who also was armed with a handgun. Minor injuries were reported. 

A short time later, just before 9:00 p.m., an officer spotted the suspect driving on Jackson St. but the suspect fled on foot after striking a pole at 29th and Jackson. 

Officers attempted to locate the suspect but where unsuccessful. A handgun was recovered from the suspects’ car. 

Shooing in the 200 block of Nebraska St - SCPD #21-28188

Update on Oct. 1 at 3:25 p.m. - On Oct. 1 at about 2:00 p.m., a 17-year-old juvenile male of Sioux City surrendered himself to detectives at the Sioux City Police Department and was charged with attempted murder, willful injury, intimidation with a weapon, going armed with intent, and trafficking in stolen firearms.

The juvenile was charged as an adult and taken to the Woodbury County Juvenile Detention Center.    

Update on Sept. 27 at 2:40 p.m. - Detectives with the Sioux City Police Department have requested that the Woodbury County Attorney’s Office drop charges filed on Sept. 25 against Eric-Jahim Word in connection to the shooting in the 200 block of Nebraska St. that left one man hospitalized.

Word’s arrest was based on available information at that time. As detectives continued their investigation, new information was discovered indicating that a witness intentionally misidentified Word as the person who fired the shots. Word was involved in the incident and fled before officers arrived.

The correct suspect has been identified and detectives are working with the County Attorney’s Office to file appropriate charges against that person.

Release on Sept. 25 at 10:30 a.m. – Detectives have arrested 19-year-old Eric-Jahim E. Word of Sioux City and charged him with attempted murder, going armed with intent, and trafficking in stolen weapons during the overnight hours for the shooting that occurred in the 200 block of Nebraska St. (NOTE: Charges against Eric-Jahim Word were dropped after it was found a witness had intentionally misidentified him as the shooter. A 17-year-old juvenile male was charged on Oct. 1 for this act.)

Also charged in connection to this incident were 39-year-old Joy-Esther A. Scott of Sioux City and 23-year-old Miracle J. Walls of Sioux City both of whom were charged with 2nd degree burglary.

Word, Scott, Walls and a 17-year-old juvenile male had been in vehicles that were following another adult female they had an on-going feud with. They eventually blocked her path on an access road in the 200 block of Nebraska St.

With the car stopped, Scott and Walls opened the woman’s car door and began to assault her causing her minor injuries.

It was at this time that the brother of the woman being assault arrived as she had been on the phone with him. He approached Word, Walls, and Scott to attempted to stop them.

The 17-year-old juvenile male produced a handgun and shot the brother twice, once in the back and once in the chest.

The male victim remains at MercyOne due to his injuries.

ORIGINAL RELEASE on Sept. 24 at 6:00 p.m. - On Sept. 24 at 3:10 p.m., the Sioux City Police Department received a report of a shots being fired in the 200 block of Nebraska St.

When officers arrived on scene, they located an adult-male suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound. He was transported to MercyOne for treatment and at the time of this release, is still undergoing medical treatment.

Investigating officers determined that this shooting arose out of an on-going dispute between several of the people involved. Several cars containing the people involved stopped in the area of the 200 block of Nebraska St. The dispute was about to escalate into a physical altercation when the shots were fired. The victim of the shooting was involved in this altercation.

Detectives are interviewing several of the subjects involved and are following up on leads to determine who fired the shots. At the time of this release, the subject who fired the shots was not in custody and detectives are still following up on information provided to them.

This is an on-going investigation and an update will be sent when additional information is obtained.

Any arrest/charge noted in this report should be considered merely an accusation. Any defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Man arrested after damaging cars - SCPD #21-27678

On Sept. 20 at 3:18 a.m., the Sioux City Police Department responded to a report of a subject damaging cars parked next to an apartment building in the 1000 block of Pierce St.

Officers arrested 30-year-old Hagos T. Mengsteab of Sioux City and charged him with 8 counts of 4th degree criminal mischief after they determined that he had broken windows and dented parked cars by throwing rocks at them.

Mengsteab, who showed signs of intoxication, was involved in an argument with an unknown male and then started damaging the cars. The other male was not involved in causing any damage and was not charged in this matter.

The initial estimate of total damage caused is to be $2,800.

Any arrest/charge noted in this report should be considered merely an accusation. Any defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty

Man charged for firing gun at occupied car - SCPD #21-27288

On Sept. 16 at 5:22 p.m., the Sioux City Police Department responded to a report of shots being fired in the 700 block of Center St.

Officers located a vehicle involved in the shooting a short distance away and stopped it at W 4th St and Wesley Park Way. Officers detained the two men inside.

The investigation determined that the two men detained followed another car to a residence in the 700 block of Center St. and the passenger fired a shot at the car that was occupied by an adult male, an adult female, a 6-year-old child, and a 4-year-old child. No one was injured in the shooting.

Detectives charged 18-year-old Jalond J. Hills of Sioux City with terrorism and going armed with intent.

The driver of the car, 19-year-old Charles J. Sully of Sioux City, was charged with failure to provide financial security (no car insurance) but was not charged with the shooting as it appeared he was not aware of Hills intent to shoot at the other car.

The cause of the dispute that led to this shooting is still under investigation.

Any arrest/charge noted in this report should be considered merely an accusation. Any defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Man arrested after stabbing at convenience store - SCPD #21-26750

On Sept. 11 at 1:26 p.m., the Sioux City Police Department responded to a report of a stabbing at Sarge’s Minimart, 1545 Indian Hills Blvd.

Responding officers found a 24-year-old woman suffering from lacerations that required medical attention and a 26-year-old Jasper Symons of Sioux City suffering from minor injuries.

Officers detained 24-year-old Amari Barker of Sioux City at the scene as he had caused the injuries.

Officers and detectives determined that there was an on-going feud between Barker and a 19-year-old female, both of whom are employees of Sarge’s, and some subjects who live across the street in the 1600 block of Indian Hills.

The subjects in the residence on Indian Hills were holding a yard sale and Barker and the female placed a sign next to the road that disparaged the people living at that residence.

In response to the sign, Symons and the 24-year-old woman came over to the store and damaged vehicles belonging to Barker and the other employee and a physical altercation broke out between the parties.

Barker armed himself with two swords and attacked 24-year-old female causing her injury. Barker then threw a brick at Symons causing him injury.

Barker was charged with two counts of aggravated assault.

Symons was charged with criminal mischief for damaging the cars.

Both men were booked into the Woodbury County Jail.

Any arrest/charge noted in this report should be considered merely an accusation. Any defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Man dies after truck goes into Missouri River.

On Aug. 28 at 10:27 p.m., the Sioux City Police Department received a report of a pick-up truck that had lost control while traveling south on I29 at about mile marker 150 and drove into the Missouri River. 

Responding officers located where the vehicle went into the river and found that the vehicle was fully submerged. 

Sioux City Fire & Rescue and the Urban Search and Rescue Task Force 1 Dive Team began efforts to retrieve the vehicle from the water but were unsuccessful during the overnight hours due to conditions. 

On Aug. 29 recovery efforts resumed and at 11:21 a.m., divers were successful in recovering the truck from the water.

The remains of the driver were recovered in the vehicle and a positive identification has been made and we are in contact with his family.

Officers identified 69-year-old Gerald M. Reed of Smithland, Iowa as the driver of the pick-up truck that died after his vehicle went into the Missouri river on Aug. 28 near mile marker 150.

We want to express our condolences to his family for their loss.

This accident is under investigation but it appears that the weather was a factor as this accident occurred during a period of heavy rain.